Prognosis

Opioid use disorder is a chronic disease associated with a high burden of excess mortality.[171] Relapse rates are >90% in untreated patients.[172] However, with effective treatment, relapse rates are similar to those in other well-characterized chronic medical illnesses, such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.[173] The treatment of opioid use disorder involves modifying deeply ingrained behaviors; relapse does not equal treatment failure. With each relapse, the patient and healthcare providers need to evaluate whether to reinstate treatment, adjust current treatment, or find alternative treatment based on the biopsychosocial model.

While there is no “cure” for opioid use disorder, evidence-based treatments can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality, and effectively support patients in reintegrating into society.[70]

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